Description of Examination Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
The exam to obtain CSCS® certification is divided into two sections that assess the candidate's knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:
  • Scientific Fundamentals
    • 80 multiple-choice questions assessed
    • 15 unassessed multiple-choice questions
  • Practice/Applied Area
    • 110 multiple-choice questions assessed
    • 15 unassessed multiple-choice questions
Exceedance Rates (2022)
In 2022, more than 5,000 candidates took both sections of the CSCS® exam. The results were:
  • 64% passed the Science Fundamentals section
  • 42% passed the Practical/Applied section
  • 38% passed both sections
Preparing for the CSCS exam is a critical step in achieving a successful outcome on the certification exam. We are here to help and guide you through this process!

Summary of Examination Content (CSCS®)
Scientific Fundamentals
The section Scientific Fundamentals, of the duration of 1,5 hours, assesses the candidate's knowledge in the areas of exercise science, sport psychology and nutrition.
ScopePercentage of the examinationNumber of applications
Exercise Science55%44
Sport Psychology24%19
Nutrition21%17
Questions not evaluated*-15
Duration of the section: 1,5 hours
Exercise Science
Anatomy and physiology (muscular, neuromuscular, bone and connective tissue, cardiopulmonary); Biomechanics; Bioenergetics and metabolisms; Neuroendocrine physiology; Physiological adaptations to training; Differences among athletes (e.g., age, gender, training level); Basic knowledge of scientific research and statistics.
Sport Psychology
Psychological foundations of performance, Motor learning techniques and skill acquisition, Mental health issues in athletes.
Nutrition
Nutritional factors affecting health; Nutrition to optimize performance; Common supplements and performance-enhancing substances.
Practical Applications
The section Practical Applications, of the duration of 2,5 hours, is designed to assess knowledge related to exercise techniques, program design, testing and evaluation, and organization/administration.
ScopePercentage of the examinationNumber of applications
Training Techniques36%40
Design of Programs35%38
Organization and Administration11%12
Testing, Monitoring and Evaluation of Data18%20
Questions not evaluated*-15
Duration of the section: 2,5 hours
Training Techniques
Training preparation; Training techniques with free weights, machines, alternative methods and unconventional tools; Olympic lifting and plyometric exercises; Speed/acceleration and agility techniques; Energy systems development (aerobic and anaerobic activities); Recovery techniques.
Design of Programs
Needs analysis; Training methods and modalities; Selection, order and progression of exercises; Intensity, training volumes and recovery times; Periodization patterns and concepts; Programming during injuries and rehabilitation phases.
Organization and Administration
Organizational structure; Design, layout, and organization of force and conditioning facilities; Professional practices; Common litigation issues.
Testing, Monitoring and Evaluation of Data
Selection of evidence-based tests; Administration and implementation of testing protocols and monitoring; Evaluation and interpretation of test results.

Note: Questions Not Assessed
The CSCS exam includes ungraded questions that are used to test new questions for future editions. These questions:
  • They do not affect the final outcome of the candidate.
  • They are randomly distributed during the examination to collect data objectively.
This process ensures that the exam remains up-to-date and reflects the skills required in the world of work.
For more information, see the NSCA Certification Handbook (PDF).